Lawmakers across state propose changes

INDIANAPOLIS — A bill that would allow Hoosiers to buy alcohol on Sunday already has cleared its first hurdle to becoming law. Another that would prohibit school from starting before late August had some lawmakers’ support before the session even began.

The 2018 legislative session is in full swing, and proposals are quickly advancing to become law.

Lawmakers have until mid-March to approve bills before adjourning for the year.

Last week, the Senate’s public policy committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the full Senate.

School start date

Senate Bill 7 would prohibit schools from beginning the year before the last Monday in August.

A similar bill was authored last year and didn’t garner the support it needed to become law. This year, three lawmakers are trying again.

If approved, the law would apply to the 2019-20 school year. It would bring a significant change to families in Hancock County, who have started school in late July or early August the past few years as part of a balanced calendar.

The bill has been assigned to the Senate’s rules and legislative procedures committee but so far hasn’t had a hearing.

So far, it hasn’t been popular among school officials.

Craig Wagoner, a member of the Southern Hancock school board, issued a statement recently encouraging families to contact their lawmakers about the bill, saying it relinquishes local control.

Refunds for sports tickets

A proposal in the House would require Indiana professional sports teams to refund the price of the ticket to patrons who attended the event and were offended by an athlete on the team who did not stand during the National Anthem.

The patron must request a refund in writing within 30 days of the event.

The bill, authored by Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, has been referred to the House’s judiciary committee.

Prohibition on tolling in Indianapolis

Senate Bill 69 prohibits the state from imposing tolls on any interstate or highway within 15 miles of the center of Indianapolis.

Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, authored the bill after the Indiana Department of Transportation said it would not rule out tolling on Interstate 465, used regularly by commuters coming and going to Indianapolis.

The state is studying the issue and the impact tolls would have. Gov. Eric Hoclcomb has since said he would not consider tolling on 465.

The bill has been assigned to the Senate’s homeland security and transportation committee, of which Sen. Mike Crider is the chair.